Needing to have your own space?

1. Having trouble with your parents and want to try it on your own?
2. Do you feel, now that your parents don't live together anymore, you want to be by yourself as well?
3. Are you feeling that you need your own space?
4. Are your parents fighting or are you frightened because there is violence and abuse?

Moving out of home is not the only way to get some space, or solve problems with your parents. First it's good to talk to your parents about you're feelings and your thoughts. Alternative arrangements might be able to be made at home to give you more independence and privacy. Maybe that will solve things.

Or maybe all of you will decide that it could be a good thing for you to move out and live by yourself or with friends. If you decide to do that, its important to have support from your parents if possible.

If there is violence or abuse at home and you need to move out to protect yourself, then it is important to contact a relevant person or organisation who can assist you - [link]

Nowadays more and more young people are living with their parents, or one parent, for longer, and that's OK if you have a good relationship. If any of your friends are moving out of their home, you shouldn't feel pressured to do the same thing. You will move out one day and learn how to live independently.

Important things to think about when planning to live on your own:

1. Get established in a job, school or with other things you plan to do in the future.
2. Prepare for the transition out of the family home: Think about how it will feel being on your own, or who you will want to live with, and how you will want to spend your time.
3. Think about how you will afford living on your own:
1. How much money will you need every month for rent and other expenses?
2. How will you furnish the place and buy kitchen utensils, sheets, towels, bed, lounge, TV etc
3. How much do you need to spend on food and outings?
4. How much will you need to pay for electricity, water and other bills such as the car, petrol etc?
4. If you share a place with someone how will you divide the expenses and what will happen if one of you cannot pay or decides to move out?
5. Look in the paper or on web sites for a location and place you like and can afford and make sure that you have access to essential things that you need, such as a fridge, stove, washing machine etc that work.

When you add everything up, your parents' home may seem to be attractive after all, especially if you have a good relationship!